Adequacy of air assets
Hi again finestkind. The question of sufficient resources gets back to effective usage considerations. Initial response usually requires resources suited for rescue activities; but thereafter, the requirement is mainly logistic support, as proven in multiple flood relief involvements over the past 40 years. Although a differing scenario; during 1ATF Vietnam operations, a single UH-1H Iroquois could provide most of the routine daily logistic support requirements for 2 infantry battalions and other supporting arms deployed outside Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province in about 6 to 8 hours flying. Pallets of artillery ammunition, coiled barbed wire, diesel fuel bladders, etcetera were usually externally loaded by Chinook.
Pre-1989, rescue hoist equipped Air Force Iroquois squadrons were based at Fairbairn (Canberra), Amberley and Townsville with additional permanent SAR detachments at Darwin, Williamtown NSW and Pearce WA. In those days, Iroquois equipped squadrons generally achieved aircraft on-line availability between about 75 and 83 percent and Hueys were also often deployed by C-130 where necessary for military training and aid to civil power needs. Resources usually available for disaster relief tasking were generally then quite adequate and would be today, if that force structure still existed.
At risk of drift toward the thread 'Why no helo transport...?', Australia would have adequate military capacity for aid to the civil power requirements had continuous credible military preparedness been maintained through progressive optimization of types in service, particularly regarding the tactical airlift and helicopter fleets. Instead, a defence industry benefit policy aiming toward creation of a mythical Force 2030 structure has generated capability gaps and deficiencies. If ADF equipments are now less suited than previously for speedy reaction to requests for aid to civil powers, particularly regarding assistance to regional nations, then the national capacity for appropriate swift assistance in military scenarios has also diminished.
Australian DoD planners perhaps now have a mindset that 2 smallish aircraft carriers (LPDs) - and maybe another platform from the UK according to recent reports - will eventually suffice for providing regional disaster relief assistance, but questions arise regarding responsiveness and of course cost-effectiveness. Assuming one such ship was in home port, how long would it take to round up a crew, embark a suitable helo component with associated support gear and transit to a regional scene of activity? Methinks too long for immediate response needs, but some of our Fleet Air Arm colleagues might elaborate.
Last edited by Bushranger 71; 28th Jan 2011 at 01:42.